Measurement of bowing of the radius

Fractures and plastic deformities of the forearm are common in children. While axial deformities are easily recognised and treated, bowing of the radius may be overlooked. Physiological bowing is essential for full rotation of the forearm. We have used the method of Schemitsch and Richards to estimate the degree of bowing in 100 children who had not suffered a fracture of the forearm. The site of maximum bowing remained constant at 60.39% of the length of the radius (95% Cl 59.65 to 61.14). The value of maximum bowing did not exceed 10% of the total length (mean value 7.21%; 95% Cl 7.00 to 7.41). This study provides information that can be useful for the diagnosis of bowing and for the evaluation of post-traumatic deformities.